Wet Spot Spreads Along Station Wagon`s Floor

THE GREASY THUMB: Hints & tips on squeaks & drips

I just love my 1987 Pontiac Sunbird station wagon. It gets me around everywhere I want to go with no problems.

Recently, however, I noticed a wet spot on the floor in the front-seat area. It started on the passenger side, but now has reached the driver`s side as well.

The trouble doesn`t seem like a leak from the outside because the wet spot doesn`t occur only when it is raining. It has been there in dry weather too.

What could the problem be?

-- R.S., Kings Point

Dear R.S.:

There are only two things that could cause a leak of the sort you describe, said Dick Dugee of Auto Air of Boca Raton: a leaky heater core or excess condensation in the air-conditioning system.

The heater core, which is similar in appearance to a car`s radiator only much smaller, probably would emit a sweet-smelling liquid, slightly discolored, Dugee said.

This actually is engine coolant that runs through the heating system, he said.

The problem is fairly common, Dugee said, but it can be compounded the longer it is allowed to go.

If the liquid looks, feels and smells like water, then the problem may a plugged-up drain in the air conditioner, Dugee said, explaining that the system can collect foreign matter that may build up over the drains.

If this happens, he said, after a while condensation will start to collect and overflow, creating spongy carpets.

---- Is your car making strange noises? Leaving tell-tale spots on your driveway? Just not up to what it used to be? Tell The Greasy Thumb about it. Palm Beach County auto experts will talk about the problem and offer possible solutions. Write: The Greasy Thumb, Sun-Sentinel; 324 Datura St., Suite 150; West Palm Beach, Fla. 33401, or call The Greasy Thumb via the Sun-Sentinel Traffic Line. Dial 243-6543 in southern Palm Beach County. We are sorry, but because of the volume of questions we sometimes receive, we cannot always guarantee a personal reply.